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Visit Nigeria, a country in West Africa for its landscapes, wildlife reserves, magnificent mountains, and more. The great country has lots to offer as Nigeria tourism welcomes you with friendly energy and vibrant expressions. So, look forward to a Nigeria holiday, a country aptly nicknamed “The Home of Peace and Tourism”. While it is possible to travel the country for most of the year, Nigeria has a dry season that runs between October to April with little or no rainfall. Within the dry season (winter), the best time to visit Nigeria is between November and January for pleasant climes. We list for you a month-wise weather update in the dry season and activities that you can enjoy. Read on to know when to visit Nigeria for an unforgettable holiday with insider tips.
Best Time To Visit Nigeria:
January
January is the month of the Harmattan season or dry season, a good time for a Nigeria holiday. Early morning hours and nights remain chilly while daytime is hot and dusty. Take a boat ride on the beautiful Jabi Lake in Abuja, visit the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village to take home souvenirs. Or enjoy local cuisines such as Jollof Rice, Nigerian Moi-Moi or more at Jevinik. You could consider an enjoyable drive to Abacha Barracks among other activities.
Insider Tip: Pack smartly with warm clothing for the chilly nights and your sunglasses for mid-day adventures.
Average Temperature: 20°C
February
Visit Nigeria in February to witness the beauty of Jos Plateau in the north of central Nigeria. As the weather during the day is warm and dry, with no rainfall, take a trip to Sherrie Hills whose peak stands at 6000 feet above sea level. The vantage point atop Sherrie Hills is a must-visit. Take in the panoramic vistas of the city below. A local guide will help you climb the terrain safely. The rock formations and the range of hills is a mesmerising outdoor activity.
Insider Tip: Take along your trekking boots and gear.
Average Temperature: 31.1°C
March
March is the month when the dry season peaks. A recommended outdoor trip is a drive to Kaduna State in the northwest while on a Nigeria holiday. Visit the Lugard Hall which is still in use as the Kaduna State House of Assembly. It has historical importance and was built by the first governor-general of Nigeria Lord Fredrick Lugard. March welcomes the spring season with Lagos experiencing a tropical month with a maximum temperature of 32.7°C heat.
Insider Tip: It is a great idea to carry with you water bottles and wear light clothes.
Average Temperature: 27.4°C
April
This is a good month to choose to visit Nigeria to witness the Tuk-Ham Festival. The festival is celebrated by the Ham people in the Jaba local government area of Kaduna State. Watch as dance troupes perform elegantly at the festival with colourful Nok terracotta heads. Indulge in the exhibition of Ham art in a festival that began almost 40 years ago. Kwoi weather is very pleasant and even in the dry season, the skies are partly overcast. November to April is the peak season with an average rainfall of 0 days.
Insider Tip: Be prepared for heatwaves and take adequate precautions.
Average Temperature: 24°C
May
The busiest time to visit Nigeria for tourism is May followed by November and December. Prices of hotels and flights skyrocket during these months but may be discounted if you book early. The month of May is the end of the dry season and the beginning of the annual rains. If you plan to visit Nigeria in May take a dip in the Enemabia warm spring or the Ikogosi warm waters. The Enemabia warm springs amazing attraction is located in Okpokwu in Benue State. Swim in the warm waters and have a lovely time. Don’t forget to eat tasty mangoes sold across the state especially this time of the year.
Insider Tip: Pack in sunscreen with a high SPF, swimwear, water bottles, and rain gear just in case.
Average Temperature: 24°C
October
October has an important event that will delight you. The Ake Book Festival features panel discussions, workshops, art screenings and exhibitions. The festival is a highlight and is held every October at various locations. Lagos, in western Nigeria, hosted the festival in 2018. October is a lovely month for beautiful Atlantic beach time in Lagos. Praia Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo among others are great escapades for beach vibes. The month sees an average rainfall of 11 days, so remember to pick your sunny day at the beach.
Insider Tip: Take a trip to Yankari Game Reserve to spot giraffes, open all year.
Average Temperature: 30.4°C
November
November sees the start of the Harmattan season where the rains linger in the south of the country. Days are sunny and warm in the centre-north while the south sees a lot of humidity due to the proximity of the sea. The average amount of rainfall is typically about 7 days and is 68mm. The temperature during the day peaks at about 36°C and a low at 21°C. November to January is considered the best time to visit Nigeria. Take a trip to witness Zuma Rock which is a prominent attraction in Niger state among other Nigeria tourism highlights. A wildlife safari in Nigeria or a dip in the natural warm-water springs are some of the exciting things to do.
Insider Tip: Pack in your cardigan as the days will begin to get cold.
Average Temperature: 28°C
December
Visit Nigeria in December for excellent weather and the Calabar carnival in southern Nigeria. This is Africa’s biggest street party. Enjoy some of the acts by Kool & the Gang among other entertainers. Revel in the colours of the carnival or head out to the Obudu Cattle Ranch for fabulous scenery. The ranch is a well-deserved escape into natural bliss where you also enjoy cable-car rides and a canopy walkway. With the average rainfall at 3 days and pleasant daytime temperatures, visit Nigeria in December.
Insider Tip: Remember that the month falls in the peak tourist season and hotel bookings are to be made well in advance.
Average Temperature: 21°C
Also Read: How To Spend the Best Of Nigeria Holidays? A Detailed Insight.
Note:
The remaining months of the year fall in the wet season (summer) and travel in this period are not recommended due to inaccessible roads and heavy rainfall. Travelling in the wet season can be a damper and some parts of the country become flooded and muddy.
Other unmissable Nigeria tourism attractions: Lekki Conservation Centre | Tarkwa Bay Beach |Nike Art Centre | Erin Ijesha Waterfall and more.
